Program Director - TPS & ACTS (Bilingual Required)
lifeworksaustin.org, Austin, Texas, us, 78716
Job Category : Program Director
Requisition Number : PROGR002131
Posted : February 18, 2026
Full-Time
On-site
Locations Showing 1 location
Austin, TX 78702, USA
Description LifeWorks
of Austin, TX is looking for a Program Director to lead our
Teen Parent Services (TPS)
and
After Care Transitional Services (ACTS)
team! The Program Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of two prevention-based programs: Teen Parent Services (TPS) and After Care Transition Services (ACTS), serving youth and young adults ages 11–20. These programs offer holistic, client-centered support to expectant and parenting youth and young adults and their chosen family, as well as those who have aged out of foster care. Services include intensive case management, parenting groups and life skills classes, crisis intervention, family planning and sexual/reproductive health education. The programs also help youth navigate foster care benefits, access community resources, and connect with internal LifeWorks services. Both serve high-need populations who may face mental health challenges, substance use, domestic violence, and a lack of basic needs. The Program Director ensures strong outcomes through staff supervision, training, data oversight, and community engagement, and must bring a high level of adaptability, responsiveness, and a trauma-informed approach to the work.
This
full time, exempt
position earns a competitive rate ranging from $79,135.41-$86,477.87 depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!
RESPONSIBILITIES
Leads the operations and strategies for the assigned program(s) with a focus on implementing a healing-centered and data-informed service delivery environment. Responsible for the design, development, and implementation of the assigned program(s) and associated initiatives.
Promotes a healing- and person-centered culture that uplifts the dignity and strengths of clients at all times.
Manages highly complex and nuanced contracts with diverse stakeholders and contract compliance requirements.
Responsible for the compilation, analysis, and reporting of program outcomes to program funders and other stakeholders. Ensures that funder reports and other deliverables are completed and submitted accurately within the designated timeframes to meet contractual regulations and deadlines.
Oversees program use of and compliance with evidence-based models and/or program curricula to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Builds team’s strength in de‑escalation and mediation to effectively manage highly complex crisis situations.
Continuously identifies and implements emerging and established best practices in partnership with the Research & Evaluation team to ensure continual quality improvement and high impact outcomes.
Regularly utilizes agency and/or funder database(s) to manage, analyze, interpret, and assess program performance; uses data to make decisions and course‑correct as necessary.
Manages the assigned program budget(s), approves program expense reports, and makes budgeting recommendations for each program.
Updates training materials, assists with delivery of training, and tracks all staff training records and due dates.
Mains current knowledge of best practices in a range of philosophies and modalities, for example housing‑first approaches, harm reduction, and positive youth development.
Enforces and complies with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure and accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency, including requirements pertaining to data, paperwork, training, processes, and procedures, among other things.
Responsible for the hiring, orientation, training, supervision, evaluation, and dismissal of direct reports in accordance with Agency policies and procedures.
Holds staff accountable for meeting individual and program performance objectives, such as data quality and contract compliance requirements, by coaching, planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.
Responsible for developing and maintaining program training materials. Delivers training to staff on an ongoing and as‑needed basis to ensure excellence in service delivery.
Provides guidance and support to direct reports managing complex crisis situations involving high‑acuity clients with histories of chronic trauma and neglect, homelessness, and/or systems involvement, as applicable.
Serves as the program’s primary point of contact for contract officers, program evaluators, and subcontractors; coordinates client files and other materials for funders, monitoring visits, and internal and/or external audits.
Represents the program at leadership meetings and communicates agency and leadership decisions to team.
Ensures the integration of program services with other agency services to support clients in a holistic manner.
Participates in community committees, working groups, and initiatives, and provides community trainings, presentations, and outreach activities, as appropriate.
Functions as the program liaison between the Agency, funding sources, contractors, universities, governmental organizations, schools, and community stakeholders.
Responds when able to onsite crisis situations to provide de‑escalation and navigation services to promote client, staff and community safety.
Prepares for and actively participates in supervision meetings and all other required meetings or trainings.
Additional Responsibilities for TPS
Develops service implementation strategies that encompass a holistic approach to basic‑needs support, parenting education, early childhood development, and enhanced natural support systems.
Supports team in community‑based service delivery by regularly staffing cases, conducting ride‑aligns, responding to grievances, and co‑responding to incidents to support case managers.
Provides temporary coverage and direct client services during staffing transitions or outages.
Provides individual supervision for direct reports including office‑based sessions, as well as working side‑by‑side to provide field mentoring.
Collects client outcomes and reviews individual outcomes with direct reports during supervision; helps team set program goals, client goals, and focus on housing stability.
Maintains current knowledge of best practices in housing‑first approach with youth.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requires Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field and minimum (7) years of related experience with program’s client population; or
Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred minimum (2) years of management experience including supervising and leading teams.
Training in trauma‑informed practice/trauma‑informed care preferred.
Experience with databases; proficient level experience with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
ABOUT LIFEWORKS With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.
We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem‑solving, shared accountability, and evidence‑based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.
A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Requisition Number : PROGR002131
Posted : February 18, 2026
Full-Time
On-site
Locations Showing 1 location
Austin, TX 78702, USA
Description LifeWorks
of Austin, TX is looking for a Program Director to lead our
Teen Parent Services (TPS)
and
After Care Transitional Services (ACTS)
team! The Program Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of two prevention-based programs: Teen Parent Services (TPS) and After Care Transition Services (ACTS), serving youth and young adults ages 11–20. These programs offer holistic, client-centered support to expectant and parenting youth and young adults and their chosen family, as well as those who have aged out of foster care. Services include intensive case management, parenting groups and life skills classes, crisis intervention, family planning and sexual/reproductive health education. The programs also help youth navigate foster care benefits, access community resources, and connect with internal LifeWorks services. Both serve high-need populations who may face mental health challenges, substance use, domestic violence, and a lack of basic needs. The Program Director ensures strong outcomes through staff supervision, training, data oversight, and community engagement, and must bring a high level of adaptability, responsiveness, and a trauma-informed approach to the work.
This
full time, exempt
position earns a competitive rate ranging from $79,135.41-$86,477.87 depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!
RESPONSIBILITIES
Leads the operations and strategies for the assigned program(s) with a focus on implementing a healing-centered and data-informed service delivery environment. Responsible for the design, development, and implementation of the assigned program(s) and associated initiatives.
Promotes a healing- and person-centered culture that uplifts the dignity and strengths of clients at all times.
Manages highly complex and nuanced contracts with diverse stakeholders and contract compliance requirements.
Responsible for the compilation, analysis, and reporting of program outcomes to program funders and other stakeholders. Ensures that funder reports and other deliverables are completed and submitted accurately within the designated timeframes to meet contractual regulations and deadlines.
Oversees program use of and compliance with evidence-based models and/or program curricula to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Builds team’s strength in de‑escalation and mediation to effectively manage highly complex crisis situations.
Continuously identifies and implements emerging and established best practices in partnership with the Research & Evaluation team to ensure continual quality improvement and high impact outcomes.
Regularly utilizes agency and/or funder database(s) to manage, analyze, interpret, and assess program performance; uses data to make decisions and course‑correct as necessary.
Manages the assigned program budget(s), approves program expense reports, and makes budgeting recommendations for each program.
Updates training materials, assists with delivery of training, and tracks all staff training records and due dates.
Mains current knowledge of best practices in a range of philosophies and modalities, for example housing‑first approaches, harm reduction, and positive youth development.
Enforces and complies with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure and accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency, including requirements pertaining to data, paperwork, training, processes, and procedures, among other things.
Responsible for the hiring, orientation, training, supervision, evaluation, and dismissal of direct reports in accordance with Agency policies and procedures.
Holds staff accountable for meeting individual and program performance objectives, such as data quality and contract compliance requirements, by coaching, planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.
Responsible for developing and maintaining program training materials. Delivers training to staff on an ongoing and as‑needed basis to ensure excellence in service delivery.
Provides guidance and support to direct reports managing complex crisis situations involving high‑acuity clients with histories of chronic trauma and neglect, homelessness, and/or systems involvement, as applicable.
Serves as the program’s primary point of contact for contract officers, program evaluators, and subcontractors; coordinates client files and other materials for funders, monitoring visits, and internal and/or external audits.
Represents the program at leadership meetings and communicates agency and leadership decisions to team.
Ensures the integration of program services with other agency services to support clients in a holistic manner.
Participates in community committees, working groups, and initiatives, and provides community trainings, presentations, and outreach activities, as appropriate.
Functions as the program liaison between the Agency, funding sources, contractors, universities, governmental organizations, schools, and community stakeholders.
Responds when able to onsite crisis situations to provide de‑escalation and navigation services to promote client, staff and community safety.
Prepares for and actively participates in supervision meetings and all other required meetings or trainings.
Additional Responsibilities for TPS
Develops service implementation strategies that encompass a holistic approach to basic‑needs support, parenting education, early childhood development, and enhanced natural support systems.
Supports team in community‑based service delivery by regularly staffing cases, conducting ride‑aligns, responding to grievances, and co‑responding to incidents to support case managers.
Provides temporary coverage and direct client services during staffing transitions or outages.
Provides individual supervision for direct reports including office‑based sessions, as well as working side‑by‑side to provide field mentoring.
Collects client outcomes and reviews individual outcomes with direct reports during supervision; helps team set program goals, client goals, and focus on housing stability.
Maintains current knowledge of best practices in housing‑first approach with youth.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requires Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field and minimum (7) years of related experience with program’s client population; or
Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred minimum (2) years of management experience including supervising and leading teams.
Training in trauma‑informed practice/trauma‑informed care preferred.
Experience with databases; proficient level experience with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
ABOUT LIFEWORKS With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.
We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem‑solving, shared accountability, and evidence‑based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.
A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr